The Best New TV Show You Aren't Watching

Let me introduce you to Nashville.  Not the city, the TV show.  Although if you watch the show, you are also bound to get a quick lesson in the city of Nashville, too, which admittedly was probably my initial reason for watching this new series.  As a Nashvillian myself, I couldn't help but be intrigued by a television show that features my town and the big business that is country music.  

Now, I have stopped and asked myself if would I have been as interested in this show if it featured, say Seattle or Chicago, and honestly I must admit- probably not.  There is something fascinating about seeing the city you live in showcased on the small screen week after week.  But now that we are nearing the end of Season 1, with a second season almost certain in this show's future, I can honestly say that this show is a winner whether you are from Music City, enjoy country music, or none of the above.  Let me explain. 

The show follows fictional characters Rayna James, played by Connie Britton and Juliette Barnes, played by Hayden Panettiere.  They are both country music singers, one a veteran trying to stay vital in this cut throat business, and the other a hot up and comer.  Picture Faith Hill and Taylor Swift, for example.  Both ladies have their struggles both in the music business as well as in their personal lives.  And it's those struggles that take center stage to form the basis of this show's plot.  

Now, factor in a whole slew of talented singers and musicians who also co-star, as well as all sorts of celebrity country music star appearances (Vince Gill and Pam Tillis to name a few), and you have a great foundation for any country music fan.  I do understand that not everyone loves country music as much as I do.  So if you aren't a fan of the twang, fear not.  It is more the music industry that is featured in this show than the music itself.  There are some scenes where they break out into song (although this is not anything close to Glee), but most of you already know that today's country music is a far cry from the country music of even a generation ago.  The music is really more pop-ish, so don't let a disdain for country music stop you from watching. 

It's got a spicy plot, an excellent cast, and features some really great music (admittedly, the best music is performed by the supporting characters).  In any case, you can catch Nashville each week on Wednesdays on ABC, and if you haven't caught it yet, you can always replay episodes on abc.com.  This Nashvillian would bet the farm on this show.  So give it a try; you won't be disappointed.